A trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn seems pretty likely at this point, considering LA is interested in multiple of Brooklyn’s players.
The Lakers would love to snag Nicolas Claxton away from the Nets, for one. However, Claxton might be a tough asset to acquire, and LA might shift its efforts toward other Brooklyn players, according to a new report from Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva.
“If the Lakers can’t land Nic Claxton, another Nets player who could make a lot of sense for them is Cameron Johnson,” Leiva said.
“The Lakers were reportedly interested in Johnson this past offseason, and it’s easy to see why. With his ability to shoot from deep, defend multiple positions, and provide some playmaking, he’s exactly the kind of player they need on the wing.”
“If the Lakers are serious about making a run this season, Johnson might be one of the better options available to them.”
Leiva envisioned the Lakers sending Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2029 first-round pick to Brooklyn for Johnson.
“So far this season, Johnson has been quietly putting up solid numbers for the Nets … His consistency from deep and versatility on both ends would give the Lakers a huge boost, especially as they look to solidify their rotation around LeBron and AD,” Leiva added.
“The proposed package … could be tempting for the Nets. With their current focus on flexibility and asset collection, getting two solid role players and a future first-rounder might help them stay competitive while keeping their long-term rebuild in mind.”
Johnson is in the second year of a four-year, $94.5 million contract. A former North Carolina Tar Heel, Johnson was selected at No. 11 overall in the 2019 NBA draft and spent three-plus seasons with the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Nets.
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